Looking for something to lift your spirits this winter season? A number of popular Toronto festivals and arts events are taking place over the next few months, and we’re here to guide you through our top picks.
Whether you’re looking to embrace the cold with the seasonal vibes at Winterista, take part in a cultural celebration like KUUMBA, or enjoy some live music at Wavelength or Winterfolk, there is plenty to see and do this winter in the city.
Read on for 15+ art, film, music, theatre, comedy, and food events happening in Toronto in Winter 2026:
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DesignTO Festival
More than 100 free exhibits and events will take place across the city at DesignTO. Showcasing work from hundreds of designers and artists, this year’s festival asks the question: “What does it mean to belong?” Along with the highly anticipated launch party at MOCA, there are plenty of creative, immersive, and innovative installations to see, including spotlights on queer living, diasporic memory, urban advocacy, and much more. More info.
When: January 23-February 1
Where: Various locations
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Winterista
This new Toronto festival is making the most of the season with 4,000 square feet of winter-themed fun. Winterista will transport you into a winter wonderland, complete with towering ice sculptures, an ice slide, live ice carving shows, an immersive projection-mapping room, and an ice bar. Special events include an Après Couture fashion night, and a fire and ice closing party on Valentine’s Day. More info.
When: January 23-February 14
Where: Motorista Studio
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Greenhouse Festival
The Greenhouse Festival is a place for vibrant theatrical ideas to grow. Some of Toronto’s most innovative theatre-makers will be showcasing their new, in-progress works that are pushing the boundaries of performance. With shadow puppetry, magic shows, dance, and confessional concerts, audiences will experience three new pieces of storytelling from Tarragon Theatre’s celebrated creatives in residence. More info.
When: January 27-31
Where: Tarragon Theatre
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Winterlicious
Winterlicious is your chance to experiment to best cuisine our city has to offer. Enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at more than 240 restaurants in Toronto, with lunch starting at $20 and dinner starting at $25. Whether you’re in the mood for a something cozy and familiar, or for discovering a new favourite, treat yourself to a delicious and affordable meal at Winterlicious. Reservations are open now! More info.
When: January 30-February 12
Where: Various locations
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KUUMBA
Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival returns this February for a month-long celebration of Black communities, culture, and creative brilliance. This year’s vibrant lineup features music, literature, dance, theatre, wellness, family-friendly events and masterclasses—including a CineFEMME film series, a drag show headlined by Hollywood Jade, and a new exhibition incorporating LEGO and West African mask-making traditions. More info.
When: February 1-28
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Rhubarb! Festival
Rhubarb! is Canada’s longest running genre-bending live art festival, and it’s back with four days of experimental, raw, and unruly projects from queer creatives—including late-night programming and free public events. Don’t miss out on experiencing the well-crafted chaos this festival is known for. More info.
When: February 4-7
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
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Canada’s Top Ten
This is your chance to watch the Canadian films that made waves in 2025! At this four-day cinema showcase, catch 10 features and 10 shorts from Canada’s top filmmaking talent. Highlights include Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband), and The Things You Kill. More info.
When: February 5-8
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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Toronto Black Film Festival
This Black History Month, celebrate Black stories and filmmakers from around the world. The Toronto Black Film Festival will showcase powerful and outstanding Black films that celebrate the diversity within Black communities. Stay tuned for the 2026 festival programming announcement and film lineup. More info.
When: February 11-16
Where: TBA
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Winterfolk XXIV
Fans of folk, roots, blues, and acoustic music won’t want to miss Winterfolk! Emulating the vibes of a multi-day rural summer music festival, this four-day event will bring together more than 100 artists on multiple stages. This year’s festival includes a mix of returning favourites and emerging acts, with themed nights including “Sounds of Canada” and “Sounds of the World”. More info.
When: February 12-15
Where: Tranzac Club
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Toronto Spring Festival
The heart of the city will light up with a dazzling fireworks show in celebration of the Lunar New Year this February. In addition to fireworks, the Toronto Spring Festival will feature live performances, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops. Highlighting both traditional customs and modern festivities, this vibrant, two-day celebration will immerse you in the beauty of the Lunar New Year. More info.
When: February 14-15
Where: Toronto City Hall
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Lumière: The Art of Light
Take in dazzling light-inspired works of art along Toronto’s waterfront for free this winter. Lumière returns to Trillium Park with 14 stunning light-based installations from Ontario artists, all connected to this year’s theme “Rhythms of Light: Motion, Sound, and Time”. Plus, stay warm as you explore the art with bonfires at the park fire pit! More info.
When: February 16-March 27
Where: Trillium Park
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Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival returns with its largest lineup to date! This March, choose from than 70 high-energy showcases of sketch comedy, drag, storytelling, musical comedy, and clown, including a showcase of female and non-binary artists on International Women’s Day. Inject some laughter into your winter with the help of some of the most exciting comedic voices in North America. More info.
When: March 4-15
Where: The Theatre Centre & Comedy Bar Bloor
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Geary Art Crawl
Geary Avenue will come to life with art, music, and pop-ups for a two-day festival this March. The Geary Art Crawl will offer a series of free artist-run workshops, open to all, art installations in unexpected places, a central hub with music, food and drinks, participation from local businesses, and more. Don’t miss this cozy celebration of community and creativity. More info.
When: March 7-8
Where: Geary Avenue
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Pinocchio
The classic story of Pinocchio is coming to the National Ballet of Canada, just in time for a family-friendly activity this March Break. Watch this heartwarming tale about a wooden puppet who longs to be human come to life on stage with lovable characters, magical effects, and some special Canadian twists. More info.
When: March 13-22
Where: Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts
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Wavelength Music Festival + Conference
This artist-centric music festival is the perfect opportunity to explore Toronto’s diverse music scene. With a lineup of 30+ live acts, including emerging Canadian artists and guests from around the world, plus a book launch, workshops, panels, and walking tours, Wavelength is a homegrown event that showcases the best of the west-end creative community. More info.
When: March 19-21
Where: St. Anne’s, AGO, The Baby G, The Garrison, InterAccess & Lula Lounge
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Toronto Comicon
Spend a weekend immersed in your favourite fandoms at Toronto Comicon! Celebrate all things sci-fi, fantasy, horror, anime, gaming and cosplay at this huge convention full of fellow fans. Shop from tons of exhibitors, check out intriguing panels, demos, and workshops, and commemorate the experience with photo-ops and celebrity autographs. Stay tuned for this year’s programming and celebrity guest announcements. More info.
When: March 20-22
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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